Breast pump – types, advantages and disadvantages. How to clean and sterilize a breast pump?

A breast pump is a device that many new moms decide to use. It helps to stimulate lactation, which translates into increased production of natural milk during breastfeeding.

Breast pump – operation

A breast pump is a device whose construction allows to reproduce the natural suckling reflex of a child. Appropriate structure creates a vacuum, which stimulates the outflow of food.

In order for the breast pump to reflect the natural suckling rhythm, it should be a two-phase device. Some breast pumps (both manual and electric) allow you to select the appropriate phase of stimulating lactation, while mimicking the infant’s suckling reflex.

1. Phase I – this is the stage of stimulating the flow of food, in which movements are shallow and fast.
2. Phase II – this is the stage of deep suction in which the movements are slow and deep.

See: How to stimulate lactation? Check what is worth knowing

Breast pump – types

There are three basic types of breast pumps: manual, electric and battery.

1. Electric breast pumps: These models plug into an electrical socket and are usually the most powerful breast pumps on the market. You can choose a double electric breast pump that expresses milk from both breasts at the same time, or a single electric model that requires pumping from one breast at a time. Single electric breast pumps are less efficient as they essentially double the time it takes to express milk, but are usually less expensive than dual powered models.
2. Battery powered breast pumps: Battery-powered breast pumps are available in single and double versions. Battery-operated breast pumps are usually smaller and more portable than electric breast pumps, and are ideal if you know you won’t have easy access to a power outlet.
3. Manual breast pumps: Manual breast pumps are operated by hand, requiring the user to repeatedly press the lever to induce the suckling of the breast and express the milk. These models are lightweight, portable and inexpensive. The disadvantage of manual breast pumps is that they are not as optimal as electric ones, you have to work the lever yourself and you did not draw as much milk from the breast as an electric one. 

Also read: When breastfeeding doesn’t come easy. About the difficulties we face in lactation

Electric breast pump – advantages and disadvantages

Electric breast pumps express milk relatively quickly and require less effort to operate than manual breast pumps. Unlike a manual breast pump, once the cup is in place on the breast, the work is automatically done for you at the pace you set.. This avoids pain in the hands or difficult-to-maintain pumping patterns.

If you need to express frequently, for example because you are returning to work or feeding twins, an electric breast pump will allow you to express more milk in less time.

Most electric breast pumps are mains powered, but there are also battery operated breast pumps that allow you to express your milk when you are not near a power outlet.

Electric breast pumps have adjustable functions that you may find beneficial, including:

1. double pumping function, which allows you to express both breasts at the same time,
2. adapted suction to mimic your baby’s sucking patterns
3. a large number of sucking reflexes per minute,
4. adjustable suction levels.

The main advantages of an electric breast pump:

1. requires less effort to use than manual breast pumps,
2. are faster than other methods of expressing milk,
3. more convenient for you because they offer many functions,
4. offer more choice with models that include hospital and dual breast pumps.

The most common disadvantages of electric breast pumps:

1. are relatively more expensive than manual breast pumps,
2. are louder to use than manual breast pumps,
3. usually less portable,
4. Electrically powered breast pumps rely on an outlet, which can be tricky when you’re out and about.

Also read: Breast milk – every mother should know about it!

Breast pump – hygiene rules

When using a breast pump, you should remember about hygiene. It is important that the individual elements of the device are thoroughly cleaned – the remnants of milk are an excellent breeding ground for the growth of bacteria.

Before each use of the breast pump:

1. wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
2. assemble all parts of the breast pump. Check whether the parts of the breast pump or the tube have become moldy or dirty during storage. If the cord is moldy, throw it away immediately and replace it.

After each use of the breast pump:

1. store milk safely in bottles or bulk bags and make sure it is properly closed. Date and time stamp them and immediately put them in a refrigerator, freezer, or ice bag. In case the milk container is stored in the hospital, add your name and surname on the label,
2. clean the pumping area,
3. Disassemble the breast pump, separating all parts in contact with food and check the breast pump for mold or damage,
4. rinse those parts of the breast pump that come into contact with breast milk. Rinse them under running water to remove any milk residues,
5. After pumping, clean the pump set as soon as possible, keeping in mind the following:

How to clean and sterilize a breast pump?

Use hot water and a mild soap or detergent to clean all parts of the breast pump that come into contact with breast milk. Avoid using any abrasive products such as bottle brushes, chemicals, or antibacterial soaps as they can scratch or break the pump parts. Rinse all parts with hot water until all soap residue is removed. Then dry the parts on a clean towel or dish rack.

If you have difficulty washing parts immediately, try rinsing them thoroughly with hot water to remove any milk residue.

For extra protection, sterilize the breast pump regularly. This becomes even more important if your baby is less than 3 months old, born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to any disease or treatment. Before beginning the sterilization or decontamination process, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding whether the pump parts can be steamed or boiled. You can use any of the following sterilization options:

1. cooking parts for 5 to 10 minutes,
2. microwave sterilization bags,
3. safe microwave sterilizers,
4. electric sterilizer,
5. placing on the upper basket of the dishwasher.

Taking precautions and following simple cleaning and hygiene practices can prevent a variety of health problems for your baby.

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